Recycling backlog as service vehicles break down

LOCAL residents and councillors have taken to social media to complain about the backlog of glass and recycling collections in their local area, with bins now overflowing with waste.

The Carmarthenshire Labour leader Cllr Rob James has expressed his concern over the build up of waste. He said: “Whilst we acknowledge that the Council have experienced mechanical difficulties, this recent episode illustrates the Council’s strategy is flawed. “We are one of only two local authorities in Wales that don’t support our residents with kerbside glass collection services. “The proposed cuts of up to 40% of bring sites in the next budget will have a dramatic impact on recycling rates in the County. “It’s clear that Plaid’s continued cuts in the Environment budget has impacting all residents and we must protect this area if you are to actually address climate change.”

Cllr Deryk Cundy responded to the situation and praised the public for using the recycling bins but said it may be time to change how the waste is collected and dealt with. In a comment he said:

“Although it is gratifying to see that our residents are utilising the recycling facilities, I am concerned that our glass waste bins are consistently full as can be seen from the following pictures. It is perhaps time to review how glass waste is dealt with to prevent this in the future.”

Llwynhendy councillor Sharen Davies called for the council to ‘get their act together’.

We contacted Carmarthenshire County Council to ask what had caused the backlog of collections as well as what they intend to do to clear up the recycling points.

Environmental Services Manager Daniel John said:

“Unfortunately, both of our specialist collection vehicles were out of service last week due to unforeseen circumstances which meant there have been delays in servicing these sites. We hope to return to regular servicing of these sites this week, but have arranged for additional collections to take place. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank those who have made the effort to recycle.”